Cost of Living in Louisville, KY
Louisville's cost of living index is 91 — making it 9.9% more affordable than the US national average. To maintain your current standard of living here, you would need to earn $91,000 for every $100,000 of national-average income.
The Louisville Tax & Cost Impact
Louisville offers a balanced tax profile. While Kentucky does have an income tax, it remains competitive compared to coastal hubs, especially when adjusted for local housing costs.
Decision Matrix
- ✓Housing: Housing is a value-play compared to national tiers.
- ✓Savings Rate: To save $2,000/mo here, you need a gross household income of ~$76,440.
COL Index
91
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$4,550
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.6M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
Kentucky
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Louisville vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Louisville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $1,427 | -$223 |
| Groceries | $650 | $603 | -$47 |
| Transportation | $800 | $735 | -$65 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $375 | -$25 |
| Utilities | $300 | $273 | -$27 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,114 | -$86 |
| Total | $5,000 | $4,550 | -$450 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Louisville, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$45,500
$75,000 nationally
$68,250
$100,000 nationally
$91,000
$150,000 nationally
$136,500
What Your Salary Gets You in Louisville
Here's how different salary levels translate to monthly purchasing power in Louisville, KY, where the cost of living is 9% below the national average.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
FAQ: Cost of Living in Louisville
Is Louisville expensive to live in?
Louisville's cost of living index is 91, which is near the national average of 100. Housing is typically the biggest factor, with estimated monthly rent around $1,502.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Louisville?
To maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Louisville, you'd need approximately $68,250 per year, which is equivalent to a $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living.
How does Louisville compare to other cities?
Louisville is comparable in cost to San Antonio, Indianapolis, Columbus.